Question Number: 28051

Law 7 - Match Duration 12/9/2013

RE: Competitive Under 10

Manuel Trujillo of Chula Vista , California USA asks...

Can you end the half during a corner kick?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes. The laws do not require that the ball be in play or that a team be permitted to complete a free kick or a corner kick. The half ends when the referee decides it ends, with one exception - time must be extended to complete a penalty kick.

That said, it is uncommon to end the match when the ball is out of play. My experience is that the match is more enjoyable for the players if the corner kick is taken, and the wise referee usually can remember that a few more seconds could be added to make up for time lost during the half.

In my very last match, however, there was a corner kick near the end of the second half. I allowed it to be taken during added time. The kick resulted in another immediate corner kick. I allowed it to be taken. The second kick resulted in another immediate corner kick. I ended the half. I think most of the adult players were happy to get water.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Manuel
The referee can end play at any time and the ball does not need to be in play to do so.
As Referee Wickham states the wise referee may allow the corner kick to be taken and players generally expect that to happen.
Having said that there are times when he referee decides otherwise.
UEFA Champions' League Referees have been advised to end the game when the displayed added time has expired which has resulted in games being ended before corner kicks being taken. When this has happened the attacking team has been none too pleased but the referee is the sole judge of time and when to end play.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I was AR on a game a few years ago. I knew time was running out, but wasn't sure how much the ref was going to add. The player was taking his time getting the perfect lay in the corner arc. I murmured, 'Better hurry.' Player took a few more moments, and the ref blew his whistle to end the half.

If the players are hustling, I'll give them the benefit of doubt and find a few more seconds as Ref Wickham suggests. But if they dwaddle, they may just waste their opportunity.